We're delighted to announce highly tipped London act Orphans and Vandals as our headliners for a very special show on the 12th of June at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff. They arrive promoting their astounding recently released debut album 'I Am Alive and You Are Dead' that depicts the quality of front man Al's unique, personal, sprawling, literate style and their grand mini orchestra that will surprise you at every turn.

Front man Al Joshua first imagined Orphans & Vandals two years ago. Escaping the confines of London and the musical limitations of his then band, Al embarked on a Parisian pilgrimage retracing the steps of Arthur Rimbaud. Returning with new resolve, he and musical cohort Raven began eighteen months of recruitment; building a 5 strong band of multi-instrumentalists that would combine the classics with popular song, and reach beyond the restrictions of the prevailing musical mainstream.

To see them live is to be caught in a surrealist gaze upon a humdrum world, narrated, transcribed and re-imagined in the light of Pulp, Steven Reich, Bob Dylan, Arthur Rimbaud, The Velvet Underground and The Langley School Music Project.

In support come Fredrick Stanley Star a Cardiff based 5 piece group of avant-garde musicians; Alex Williams, Dan Messore, Jo MacGregor, Stephen Linehan and William Hughes. Despite all hailing from Loughborough the band for the most part met in the wilderness of the Pembrokeshire coast. The band describes their musical style as ‘progressive shanty’. Heaviside Layer, the debut album, was released to great acclaim late last year on fellow Cardiff band attack+defend’s imprint Shape Records. It was recorded with Frank Naughton at Ty Drwg studios in June 2008. On this debut album the band use field recordings ranging from a creaking gate to a typewriter to enhance their experimental folk sound. Live the band use free improvisation, 5 part harmonies and various percussive effects including foot stamps and large wooden spoons. They've been compared favourably to the likes of Fleet Foxes, British Sea Power, Arcade Fire, and Richard Thompson. They won the best live act of the year award in a local vote by the promoter Loose.

Opening this eclectic show with an electric shock are Cardiff upstarts Blue Wall. Blue Wall are Tom, Andy and Ollie, and together they generate angular, catchy, post-punk that jerks around and puts a smile on your face. You can buy their recent single "So Here's a Picture" at gigs, and on iTunes!It gained them well deserved attention and airplay from local tastemaker of choice Bethan Elfyn on her Radio one show in Wales.